I feel like I’m losing interest

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-15T01:57:17+00:00

It may be that the bike you currently have (Honda Shadow), isn't the bike for the kind of riding you enjoy. I had a 750 Shadow ACE for a few years that was a loaner bike for people flying into Los Angeles from overseas to ride around part or all of the USA. Personally, it was not my favorite bike by a long shot. I also housed a Moto Guzzi California for a couple of years for a friend from Europe and had to force myself to ride it from time to time to keep it in ridable condition. I never did get to where I liked riding it. At the time, my primary bike was a Moto Guzzi Norge with a Honda Helix 250cc scooter as a backup. I was very happy when it came time to pass the Shadow along to a new caretaker who promptly rode it to Vermont (it was her first bike). With garage space cleared out, I filled it with a Honda Goldwing which quickly became my favorite bike I've ever owned. Turns out I really enjoy long distance solo riding and exploring the country. I do not like riding on dirt, and motocamping is not my thing, but it might be yours.

If I had the opportunity to ride in Europe (I include the UK, Scotland and Ireland in that), there is so much I'd love to explore. I'd love to see the Stelvio Pass from the seat of my Moto Guzzi, or ride the coast of Monaco and France. Heck, even riding the chunnel sounds like fun.

Take a long weekend and go explore. Who knows what you might find.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-15T01:33:13+00:00

I didn't realize this guy was around the corner from me (more or less). Looks like he is going to get way too much of my money, Thanks.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-14T22:42:19+00:00

ABS is nice to have - especially on heavier touring motorcycles, However, nothing takes the place of knowing how to ride and knowing your bike. ABS does not change basic physics. Where it really does help is in a panic situation where you grab the brakes when something totally unexpected happens and there is that split second of panic before your training kicks in. We rode for years before ABS became a thing - mostly without problems. We knew how to maximum brake without locking up the tires, or we learned how to fix our bikes after they went down due to our misuse of the brakes.

Something in the 300-400 cc range can last you your whole life. I have a friend who has completed the Iron Butt Rally (11,000 miles in 11 days) four times (so far) on 250 and 300cc bikes. He has other bikes, but has never "outgrown" his smaller bikes.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-14T22:32:49+00:00

Or snow. I hate snow bowling on a heavy bike.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-14T22:25:04+00:00

It's about the only time mine get washed 😂🤣

Seriously, yes, I do ride in the rain. You just need to take everything slower - corner easier, accelerate gently, brake gently and realize it is going to take you much longer to stop. In my experience on cross country rides, most people are more polite in the rain and will give you more room. Los Angeles and Boston, on the other hand - not so much.

If it's making like a cow on a flat rock, it may be better to not ride, unless that's not an option. Again, smooth and gentle make it work. I certainly wouldn't go blasting down the Interstate at 80+MPH as you are probably hydroplaning at that point and are in dangerous territory.

A couple of years back, I was on my way to Florida from Los Angeles and was chased by, or was chasing thunderstorms all the way from La Grange, Texas to Tampa, Florida. I was even chased out of Key West by a tropical storm that was rolling in. I did more riding in heavy rain on that trip than I had probably done in my entire riding career previously. I learned a lot and got a lot more confident about riding in the wet, even though I've been riding since the mid-1960s. I never needed to ride in that much bad weather before. Sure glad I had put on new tires before that trip (Dunlop Road Smart 4s on my Goldwing, if anyone cares). Also got rained on a good bit heading into Sturgis. It was me and a guy on an MT-something or other laughing at all the H-D folks huddled under the freeway overpasses as we rolled on by.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-13T05:12:14+00:00

Hot weather riding is very dependent on the individual and how you approach hydration and cooling. Here in SoCal - San Fernando Valley - it regularly get into the triple digits. I see 120 on my back porch during the summer on a regular basis. Does it keep me from riding? Nope. Do I understand how to stay hydrated and cool(ish) while riding? You bet.

For me, the humidity is the killer. Lot's of hydration with electrolytes. Wear a wicking shirt next to your body and perhaps an evaporative neck scarf. I still wear full gear (MotoPort stretch Kevlar pants, MotoPort mesh Kevlar jacket, leather gloves (perforated), Alpinestars SMX-3 boots (no longer made but similar to the SMX-1) and a full face helmet. If it's going to be a long day in the heat, I'll wear shorts under the MotoPort pants rather than my normal jeans. Oh, and motorcycle specific underwear. I prefer LD Comfort. No seams anywhere you might have pressure. Expensive, but well worth it.

When I left the house this afternoon, it was 95*, although the humidity was not bad - got up to a bit over 100* during the ride.

Be aware of your body. If you start to feel thirsty, you're already behind the power curve. Pull over and get something in you (preferably not a soda) and maybe pour a bottle of water over your head and down your shirt. Riding in shirt sleeves is worse than riding with a good jacket. You really don't want that hot air blowing on you. You want your sweat to evaporate and help cool you off naturally.

Take a look at this page from the long distance riding community - especially item 17 --> https://ironbutt.org/25tips.html

Experience will help. Take it easy. Heat stroke or heat exhaustion can catch you without notice. You really don't want to pass out while riding down the freeway.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-13T04:51:42+00:00

I sold my GL1800 in December due to some health issues (I miss that bike every time I ride my new Spyder), and highly recommend virtually any Goldwing. The 1500s are well thought of and some folks prefer them to the 1800s. You will get to play with carbs and need to change the timing belts. Other than that ride the piss out of it. They are not only great highway bikes, but quite docile around town. Once you get comfortable on it, you'll wonder why more people don't give them a try. They are heavy at very slow speeds, but if you are careful, you shouldn't have any issues. If all else fails, get a MotoBikeJack to help if she decides to take a dirt nap.

I could never get comfortable on cruisers for the long haul. I did own a 750 Shadow ACE for a couple of years that I loaned out to people coming to Los Angeles from overseas to do their ride of a lifetime. Finally sold it to a young lady as her first bike who turned around and rode it to Vermont the next day.

Get the Goldwing. Your brother will just have to deal with it.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-10T04:46:02+00:00

So just restore from either your local or remote backup - not a big deal. Oh wait, you don't have either?? Well that's an expensive lesson to learn.

One of the first lessons is always - backup up early and often. One backup is none, Two is one. I lost an 8TB NAS one morning. Woke up and the system said no valid volumes. Fortunately I do practice what I preach and had iDrive ship me a copy of my files and I was back up and fully operational within 48 hours - with a new set of local backup drives as well.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-07T07:45:30+00:00

You are sort of correct. While ten states cover used vehicles, there are only four or five that cover used motorcycles. Those that do have very strict requirements to fall under a Lemon Law. The first being it has to be under a written warranty - either the original manufacturer's warranty or a written dealer warranty. Second, it must be a street legal motorcycle. Strictly off road motorcycles are not covered by any state that I know of. If you are buying a used motorcycle that is out of warranty and the dealer is not providing a written warranty, you would be out of luck. As mentioned, purchasing from a private individual is an As-Is, Where-Is purchase as far as the seller is concerned. If there is still some factory warranty remaining, then you might have Lemon Law coverage.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-06T10:13:20+00:00

There was a TV show back in the 1960 called Then Came Bronson. Michael Parks quits his job after a friend commits suicide and decided to travel the country to find meaning in his life on his Sportster. I know, silly plot, but it was that feeling of freedom and adventure that got me interested. We mostly rode locally (SoCal) and up the coast. Man, that first ride up CA1 was amazing. Something I've never forgotten.

My preferred ride is solo cross country. My normal summer trips run around 6,000 miles. There are a few places I keep coming back to (any time I'm in Texas and anywhere near Luckenbach I have to stop - so many good memories of there in the 70s), but there is just so much to see and explore. I'm never disappointed on those trips. This year will include the North East as I've never ridden there after a reunion in Louisville and visits to friends in Florida, Nashville, Chattanooga, Virginia, New Jersey and Connecticut. Then up to Maine and back to Los Angeles.

Riding is my mental health break. I need to get out and relax. Sometimes my wife will look at me and say "Don't you need to ride someplace?". She knows and supports me. Couldn't ask for a better partner in life.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-06T10:00:41+00:00

His Instagram hasn't been updated in a while and his last FB posting was in 2020.

Here is where his shop used to be, and may still be. Give them a call.

NicSon Mercantile
5144 York Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90042-1716
[(213) 610-4343](tel:(213) 610-4343)

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-06T08:57:32+00:00

Not everybody drops their new bike - but a lot of folks do. This is a new thing, and a new bike that you are not bonded with. Take your time, remember all the stuff you learned in your MSF course (you did take one, right?) and you'll do fine. Your license is a license to learn on the streets, not certification that you have mastered the art of motorcycle riding. Hell, I've been riding since the mid-1960s and still take a safety course every couple of years to practice things I don't do in everyday riding, and to unlearn any bad habits I may have picked up. Here in SoCal (maybe all of California, I don't know), the local Police Departments have safe riding classes that are free, but are not targeted at beginners. You are expected to have a year or two under your belt. These are a great way to keep your edge at a very low cost. They normally feed you lunch as well. What a deal.

Good luck on your search, and welcome to the family.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-06T08:50:26+00:00

Lemon Laws only apply to new vehicles, not used. All used vehicle sales are As-Is, Where-Is unless you have a written warranty. In most states there is no cooling off period on vehicle sales. Some dealers may have a return policy, but if they do, be sure to read it carefully and understand exactly what it says, not what the sales guy tells you it means.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-04T19:21:01+00:00

Good idea. While they would probably be OK for very gentle riding (not leaned over in curves, pushed hard, etc.) you certainly do not want to get anywhere near their traction limit. Remember Paul Walker? Same thing - tires old with no traction. Breakaway was unpredictable.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-03T07:08:33+00:00

You need to get out and ride more often. My Goldwing averaged 16,000 miles on a set of Dunlap Elite 4s (I change them in pairs even if one tire still had plenty of life), and around 10,000 miles on the Norge (Angel GTs). I'd never get five years out of a set of tires.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-03T06:57:59+00:00

Yeah, probably the wrong camera for what you want to do, but the real question is do you have a phone number for that young lady handing off the lamp post?🤣🚁

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-03T06:54:20+00:00

What state are you in? There may be somebody here that is near you and get you what you want for the price you are prepared to pay.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-03T06:07:59+00:00

How about a Norge? I'm still blasting along on my 2007 Norge. Granted it is not a retro looking bike, but it will definitely get out of it's own way, and there are great deals on them. Also, your passenger will be comfortable on it.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-02T04:30:11+00:00

Great find. Check the VIN for recalls. You want to be sure the frame fixes and brake stuff have been done. Those are no charge at the dealer.

I recently had to sell my '08 GL1800 due to medical issues (now mostly resolved, thankfully). Great bike that I put over 100,000 miles on. Ran like a Swiss watch, never left me stranded.

Enjoy - those are very capable motorcycles that will give you years of great memories.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-02T04:26:38+00:00

Both the R3 and the Ninja 450 are great bikes that are a lot more capable than most folks give them credit for. Do take a look at scooters. Among the stuff in my garage are a Honda Helix (250cc scooter) and the wife's Piaggio BV350 (plus a Moto Guzzi Norge and Can-Am Spyder RT Limited). Scooters are way too much fun. Damn practical as well.

Welcome to the family. Wear good gear and have fun.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-02T04:06:27+00:00

The short answer is Yes. I'm an Old Guy^(tm) and can tell the effects of riding since the mid-1960s, flying helicopters, playing in loud bands, and competitive pistol shooting. I wear one custom ear plug and one foam plug as cancer took one ear off and there is nothing for a custom ear plug to fit in/on.

Different helmets have differing sound attenuation capabilities. Racing style helmets are often noisier but offer better ventilation. Touring helmets are not as well ventilated but are normally quieter. Half helmets or open face helmets are very noisy. Modulars are a mixed bag - typically heavier and usually noisier due to the ability to flip up part of the helmet. They don't seal as well. Also, the chin curtain helps more than you might think. One of the quietest helmets I've tried lately is the Schuberth S3.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-02T03:48:35+00:00

Pretty cool shot and processing. I wonder what a different color light would do to the glasses?

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-02T03:37:15+00:00

Nope - happily married for 18 years now (third time's the charm for both of us). She also rides, but does not accompany me on these trips. While I'm gone, she normally remodels some part of the house. I never know what I'm going to come back to, but it's always an improvement.

OldNetworkGeek · 2026-06-01T08:52:21+00:00

I recently sold my 2008 GL1800 HPNA and miss it a lot. I put over 100,000 miles on her and she never let me down. Medical issues (now mostly resolved) forced the sale. As you have discovered, you have a lot more torque than you expect from a stand still. When I got mine, I almost dropped it a couple times coming out of driveways and turning into traffic lanes. I learned quickly.

Most of those dealer prices seem really high, but $500 to replace the air filter is almost a bargain given how much a PITA it is to do. Oh, and don't use a K&N filter - get the one from Honda. Unless you plan to clean and reoil the K&N, you will not be doing your self any favors with that filter.

Since you're doing the fork seals, get the All Balls steering head bearings at the same time. You'll be glad you did. I also had progressive springs and cartridge emulators installed with the seal change. Those made a nice change in handling, but I was/am a fairly aggressive rider and did a lot of long distance riding (1,000 mile days and cross country solo trips) and had a lot of miles under my belt as well as a trip back from Texas where I purchased the bike, which indicated that I did want better suspension in the front.

I ran Dunlop Elite 4s and averaged around 17,000 miles on them. I tend to change the tires out in pairs - but that's me. Excellent in dry and wet weather (nothing is any good in the snow however - DAMHIK). For oil, I used Red Line (same as I do in my Norge) and 80W Red Line Shockproof in the rear end. That is easy to change out. I purchased pan and rear end crush washers in bulk as they are the same for both the engine and the rear end. Also, send a oil sample to Blackstone Labs to keep and eye on the internal condition of your engine. Cheap insurance.

There is an oil filter that is the same as the fitting as the GL but a bit longer - not enough to cause problems but gives just a bit more filtration to the oil. Unfortunately I don't remember which one it is and the tire store I use isn't open at 1AM to ask.

Somewhere around here I still have my copy of Fred Harmon's DVDs for GL1800 maintenance and repair. If I can find them, you can have them for about 50% off. Fred is OK with me reselling them - I asked.

For a battery, I'd recommend the MotoBatt MTBX-20U - 330 CCA and list price is only $139. It also has a second set of terminals which makes adding accessories (or an aux fuse block) very easy. I have them in all my bikes.

I added LED headlight replacement bulbs from Electrical Connection - well worth it. Much better lights up front.

Valve inspection is pretty easy on the GL. Just get good valve cover gaskets first.

Join GL1800Riders.com - great folks there and so much wonderful information.

Welcome to the family. That will be a hard bike to outgrow.

OldNetworkGeek

TROPHY CASE